Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose boat, boat trailer and motor vehicle trailer. This trailer comprises a frame, a boat trailer wheel support assembly attached to the frame for supporting the boat trailer above the motor vehicle. A pair of boat trailer ramps are provided hingeably connected to the frame and removably attached to the boat trailer wheel support assembly. A pair of wheel support channels on the frame support and guide the wheels of the motor vehicle on the multi-purpose trailer. Additionally, a pair of loading ramps are removably connected to the motor vehicle wheel support channels for loading and unloading the motor vehicle or, alternatively, the channels may be connected to the boat trailer ramps for loading/unloading the boat trailer.

Abstract: Electrostatic fibers with high efficiency for small particles and low pressure drop are formed by spot laminating an assembly of a stack of at least 2 layers of thermoplastic, electrostatic, non-woven media having lightweight scrims disposed on each end face of the stack between the nip of a roller with a pattern of raised dots and a heated roller or ultrasonic generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an all purpose nubbed cleat which when incorporated into the outsole of a shoe or at the bottom end of a cane or walker will enhance their non-slip, non-skid properties without harming the surface in contact with the cleats. The cleat has a cleat body, a plurality of nubs downwardly depending from the lower surface of the cleat body, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs disposed between nubs also on the lower surface of the cleat body. The reinforcing ribs form a grid on the lower surface of the cleat body. The cleat may be fabricated from any suitable low abrasion, durable and resilient material.

Abstract: A ceramic packing element is formed from a stack of ceramic plates having parallel ribs forming parallel grooves therebetween. The grooves are closed into channels by the surf ace of an opposed plate. The ribs may engage the end surfaces of ribs on an adjacent space or may be interleaved with the ribs of an opposed plate to form smaller channels. The plates are adhered to each other by firing a stack of plates in the green state or wrapping film or bands around a stack of pre-fired plates. The elements may be preassembled into larger units before placement in a column by wrapping metal bands around an assembly of elements.

Abstract: The invention is a shoe cleat assembly which when incorporated into the outsole of a shoe will provide a shoe cleat that may be conveniently and easily changed by lifting out the installed cleat and pressing in the replacement. In the preferred embodiment the cleat assembly comprises a cleat body and a cooperating receptacle. The cleat body has a cleat surface and an attachment stud having an axial longitudinal bore. The receptacle is incorporated into a shoe outsole and has an elongated cavity with a central post. In operation, the cleat body is pressed into the receptacle wherein the attachment stud enters the cavity and the axial longitudinal bore of the attachment stud receives the post within the cavity. In this manner the cleat body is removably and resiliently received and frictionally engaged by the receptacle. The cleat assembly may be fabricated from a broad variety of materials that provide the required strength, durability, friction and resiliency properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an animal collar that is non-irritating and tangle resistant. The collar comprises a flexible collar portion, a lower collar portion, a device for connecting together the ends of the flexible collar portion, and a device for attaching a leash to the flexible collar portion. The permanent shape of the lower collar portion maintains an open configuration to the collar such that forces on the animal's neck are distributed around the neck thus reducing irritation to the animal.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the efficiency of air filter systems that incorporate adjustable air filter frames having telescoping frame sections. In such systems, an air bypass space exists between the frame and the filter frame support member in the air duct. This invention provides an air bypass clip that is inserted between the filter element contained in the adjustable air filter frame and the frame support member. The air bypass clip has a sealing lip which bears against the support member thus blocking the flow of bypass air between the adjustable frame and the support member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of alkali salt of carboxyalkyl cellulose with good solubility in salt water which is useful for pertroleum drilling muds, which comprises (a) powdering high alpha cellulose obtained from fast growing plants or bamboo pulp, (b) preparing the alkali metal salt of cellulose by mixing the high alpha cellulose pulp obtained from fast growing plant or bamboo with an alkalinating agent in the presence of an inert organic solvent, (c) etherifying the prepared alkali cellulose to alkali metal salt of cellulose with an etherifying agent at a temperature in the range of 70.degree.-80.degree. C., (d) recovering the alkali metal salt of carboxyalkyl cellulose and (e) drying the resulting alkali metal salt of carboxalkyl cellulose.

Abstract: A shoe insert that can be customized by the user to control pronation of the foot and to relieve or reduce stress at painful areas of the foot comprising a film of plastic capable of being deformed to the shape of the foot by the weight of the user. The film includes fastening hook or loop material on at least one surface whereby detachable cushioning elements can be attached to the film. The cushioning element is preferably a sheet of loop cloth that continuously covers one or both surfaces of the film. The cushioning pads also contain a sheet of loop or hook material on one or both surfaces. The pads can be inclined to affect pronation or can contain apertures to relieve stress. The outer edges of the pads and the upper edge of the aperture are preferably chamfered or rounded to reduce discomfort.

Abstract: Porous pipe formed by extruding a mixture of particles of vulcanized rubber dispersed in a binder resin such as linear low density polyethylene preferably having a Melt Index below 1.0 and a broad distribution of molecular weights, through a pipe die to form porous pipe and then cooling the pipe in a cooling trough. The pipe is stabilized to reduce degradation by ultraviolet light by dispersing in the binder resin an effective amount of an ultraviolet stabilizer such as 0.1 to 10% by weight of carbon black.

Abstract: A seal system for an oil well head, wherein the shaft rotates about its axis to drive a progressive cavity type pump. Primary and secondary polytetrafluoroethylene seals surround a sleeve that encircles the shaft. Pressure detectors connect to the space between the seals to detect leaks past the primary seal and signal a remote repair facility. The secondary seal assumes the sealing function while repairs are scheduled.

Abstract: A fabric panel for wrapping around and enclosing a ponytail having a top edge, a bottom edge substantially parallel to the top edge, and two substantially parallel lengthwise side edges. Ties are provided for removably securing the fabric panel around the ponytail. The device is removably anchored to the ponytail by at least one comb secured to the inner surface on top of the fabric panel.

Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting a pair of three-wire parallel conductor cables of the ROMEX variety. The novel connector comprises a bottom member and hinged cover made from insulating material. The bottom member has a trough having connecting blades on opposing sides and a grounding spike extending from the trough base. The cover has a grounding spear facing the trough base grounding spike when the cover is in the closed position. The grounding spike and spear are conductively connected to one another establishing a quick and easy electrical splice between load, neutral and ground conductors of both cables.

Abstract: An improved packing body is formed by forming a first end wall of a perforated strip into an interior convolution surrounded by a peripheral convolution containing the second end wall of the strip. The convolution may be in spiral form or concentric polygons such as cylinders joined by connector segments. Baffle elements can project from the surface of the strip at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the packing body. Tapered strip with the large end wall disposed to the interior can be bent into a shape approaching spherical.